By Muhammad Mamman
Nigerian passengers whose travel plans were disrupted by escalating tensions between Israel and Iran are calling on airlines to issue immediate refunds after several international flights were cancelled or suspended due to security concerns.
Travellers say they have been left stranded and financially burdened after airlines halted routes passing through parts of the Middle East following the growing conflict between the two countries.
Several affected passengers told local media that despite paying for their tickets months in advance, airlines have yet to provide clear timelines for refunds or alternative travel arrangements.
“I understand the security situation, but passengers should not bear the financial loss,” one traveller said, noting that many Nigerians travelling for business, religious pilgrimages and family visits were affected by the cancellations.
Airlines operating routes connecting Nigeria to destinations in the Middle East and Europe reportedly suspended or rerouted flights after heightened security alerts linked to the rising hostilities between Israel and Iran. Aviation analysts say such disruptions are common whenever geopolitical tensions threaten key international air corridors.
The airspace concerns have forced carriers to reconsider flight paths, with some routes temporarily halted due to fears of potential escalation in the region.
Consumer advocates are now urging Nigeria’s aviation authorities to intervene and ensure airlines comply with passenger protection regulations. They argue that travellers deserve either full refunds or immediate rebooking options when flights are cancelled due to external crises.
Industry observers say prolonged instability in the Middle East could continue to affect global aviation routes, particularly those connecting Africa and Asia through the region.
For many Nigerian travellers, however, the immediate concern remains recovering the money they spent on tickets for journeys that never took off. ✈️
